The vast majority of mothers in Ireland think schools need to dedicate more time to physical education (PE) and mental health, a new survey has found.

According to the findings, 91% of mothers would like to see more emphasis on PE in school, while 96% would like children to be taught coping mechanisms for stress.

A further 92% would like to see professional mental health services available in schools.

Bullying was found to be a major cause of concern among mothers, with 81% expressing fear that their child would be bullied in school. However, 67% said that their child's school is attempting to tackle the issue of cyberbullying.

Meanwhile 83% of mothers feel that SPHE (social, personal and health education) should be given more time in the classroom, while 30% feel that schools are not equipping children with basic life skills.

Mothers would also like to see more teaching about tolerance, and 81% think that the recently passed marriage referendum should be discussed as part of the school curriculum. A further 91% think children should be taught about gender and equality.

The survey also found that 55% of children participate in afterschool activities. While most children take part in between one and three activities, 14% take part in four activities, 6% in five and 3% take part in six afterschool activities.

It also revealed that 43% of mothers find it exhausting entertaining the children during the summer holidays and 63% breathe a sigh of relief and secretly look forward to their children going back to school.

The survey involved 1,766 mothers and was carried out by mummypages.ie.